Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 emerges from the tunnel

One of the biggest releases of the annual gaming calendar has been revealed today with Konami lifting the lid on its plans for the upcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PSP and mobile phones.

The publisher claims to have listened to feedback from both core and casual gamers as it looks to take its series forwards, and claims the result is “the most challenging, realistic and satisfying PES to date”. It also expanded the PES development team.

Gameplay wise, zonal defending enhancements will force players to constantly work harder to find space, whilst the AI and abilities of both keepers and referees has been reworked. In fact, Konami claims the series has now returned to its simulation roots, with midfield and defenders working more closely together.

A host of new player animations and lighting effects have also been introduced, along with a number of new flicks and tricks as well as a bigger focus on momentum – there will be a difference when passing the ball from standing or from running, for instance.

Players can now control the attacking runs of players from free kicks, whilst AI team mates will react more realistically to the abilities of their counterparts – so if a free kick specialist gets the ball on the wing, AI players are more likely to flood the box to get on the end of a cross. Penalties have also been reworked to offer a greater level of control.

New elements of management have also been added to the Master League, though firm details will be announced at a later date. Online has been revamped, too, with the promise of a greater number of DLC updates, including the release of new licensed teams.

Furthermore, alongside the Champions League, the game will now also boast the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) licence, enhancing the title’s real-life credentials.

“We have been monitoring feedback and comments on the progression of the PES series for some time now, and PES 2010 will see us implementing a great deal of the ideas players have been requesting,” PES producer Naoya Hatsumi stated.

“We aim to make PES 2010 a more user-friendly, immediate experience that places the emphasis on getting straight into the gameplay for which the series is famed. PES 2010 will look better, will play better, and will recreate real football as closely as the current hardware will allow.

European PES team leader Jon Murphy added: “The preparations for PES 2010 have been in place for some time now, with the reorganization and increase of the Tokyo-based studio allowing expert teams to concentrate on their particular area. We are now in a better position to implement the greatest raft of changes and improvements to the series we have seen, and thank the PES community for their input.”

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